Parents Magazine Names Okemo Number One in 10 Best Snow Resorts for Families

By AlpineZone News |Oct082009- 07:09 PM

LUDLOW, Vermont — Parents magazine today revealed the exclusive findings from its first-ever 10 Best Snow Resorts For Families survey and Okemo Mountain Resort’s Jackson Gore Inn tops the list. As holiday breaks inch closer and families start looking for affordable vacation spots, snow covered getaways are proving to be more family-friendly than beach vacations. Parents worked with tourism boards in states where snow is plentiful, to research inns, lodges and resorts that not only welcome families with open arms, but cater to their needs.

From more than 100 contenders, Parents narrowed the field by evaluating the family activities on site and at nearby ski areas, the quality of ski lessons for young children, the standard room size and amenities, child care services, kids’ clubs or supervised play areas, and the price tag.

According to the Parents survey, the 10 Best Snow Resorts for Families are:

Jackson Gore Inn in Ludlow, Vermont

The Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa, Beaver Creek in Avon, Colorado

The Lodge at Suncadia in Cle Elum, Washington

Mount Washington Resort in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire

The Peaks Resort & Golden Door Spa in Telluride, Colorado

Woodloch Pines in Hawley, Pennsylvania

Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe, Vermont

Crystal Mountain Resort & Spa in Thompsonville, Michigan

Resort at Squaw Creek in Lake Tahoe, California

Dakota Mountain Lodge & Golden Door Spa in Park City, Utah

“At Parents we know that a winter vacation is a real treat, but tight budgets and the challenge of finding a kid-friendly destination can make planning a trip tricky,” said Dana Points, editor-in-chief of Parents. “The ten affordable resorts on our list have thought of absolutely everything families could want while on vacation. Whether you’re interested in skiing or s’more-making, an ice rink or a heated pool, there is something for everyone at Parents’ top picks.”

Located in south-central Vermont, Okemo Mountain Resort is family-operated by Tim and Diane Mueller. The Muellers know what families look for in a winter vacation because they raised their two children on snow and have already introduced their first granddaughter to the sport of skiing. In addition to Okemo, the Muellers operate Mount Sunapee, in N.H., and Crested Butte Mountain Resort, in Colo. Jackson Gore and The Jackson Gore Inn, including the Adams House and Bixby House, are Okemo’s newest introductions for lodging offering all the amenities of a four-season resort lifestyle.